Clinical Research Directory

Feasibility Study of Non-Contact Imaging-Based Physiological Monitoring in the Operating Room

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of a non-contact, camera-based physiological monitoring technology in a perioperative setting (including anesthesia induction, surgery, and recovery).Conventional vital sign monitoring tools-such as ECG leads, blood pressure cuffs, and pulse oximeters-require direct skin contact, which may pose risks of cross-infection or skin injury in vulnerable populations (e.g., newborns or elderly patients). This research utilizes remote Photoplethysmography (rPPG) technology to estimate vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), by analyzing facial video captured via standard camera devices (Logitech C930, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra).The primary goal is to assess the consistency and stability of this non-contact system compared to clinical gold-standard monitors (Masimo Root, SedLine O3, and Radical-7) during actual surgical procedures. The findings will serve as a foundation for developing non-invasive, supplementary monitoring tools in dynamic clinical environments.

One vs. Two Stents for Gallbladder Disease

This randomized trial will look at whether placing two cystic duct stents is more effective than one cystic duct stent in preventing recurrent gallbladder disease (cholecystitis, gallstone pancreatitis, or biliary colic) among patients who are not immediate surgical candidates for removal of their gallbladder. The study will evaluate the safety profile, including rates of recurrent cholecystitis, biliary colic, and procedure-related complications, and technical success, defined as successful placement of stents into the gallbladder. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does placement of two transpapillary cystic duct stents reduce the risk of recurrent symptomatic gallbladder disease compared to one stent? 2. Is there a difference in procedure-related adverse events (post-ERCP pancreatitis, cholangitis, stent migration) between the two strategies? Researchers will compare outcomes between patients randomized to one stent versus two stents to determine which approach provides better long-term gallbladder drainage and fewer recurrent events. Participants will: Be evaluated for eligibility and provide informed consent prior to undergoing an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), an endoscopy where a guidewire is placed into the bile duct from the small intestine. They will then undergo ERCP with transpapillary cystic duct stent placement, randomized to one or two stents. All participants will receive standard post-procedure care and follow-up assessments for recurrence, adverse events, and need for reintervention.

STALL vs Sole Local Wound Infiltration in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This trial is a prospective randomized superiority trial comparing sole ropivacaine based local trocar site infiltration to local infiltration combined with laparoscopic ropivacaine TAP block (STALL) in LCC. There are only a few randomized trials comparing sole local anesthesia to additional laparoscopic TAP block in laparoscopic cholecystectomy and they have yet failed to show evidence in favor of TAP block. We hypothesize STALL (Single Transversus Abdominis Laparoscopy-guided plane block combined with Local trocar site ropivacaine infiltration) is superior to local port site infiltration, provided that the sample size is sufficiently big. The aim of this randomized study is to compare the efficacy of sole local anesthesia of trocar sites to STALL in LCC.

Fast Track Pathway to Accelerated Cholecystectomy

More than 10% of Canadians have gallstones, and approximately 10% of these individuals will develop gallbladder inflammation related to gallstones, which is referred to as acute cholecystitis (AC). Patients with AC who do not have their gallbladder surgically removed have a 30% risk of serious complications that can lead to death. Surgery is the only definitive treatment for AC, however, there is controversy regarding the ideal timing of surgery. The two main approaches are early surgery (typically within 7 days of diagnosis) or delayed surgery (7 days to 6 weeks after diagnosis). Although preliminary evidence suggests that early surgery is associated with shorter hospital length of stay, lower risk for complications, and lower costs, practice varies widely regarding the timing of surgery. The limitations of the existing studies include small sample sizes, varied definitions of early versus delayed surgery, and an imbalance of risk between study groups. The proposed pilot study aims to inform the design of a large clinical trial that will compare the outcomes of patients with AC who receive accelerated surgery (i.e., as soon as possible with a goal of surgery within 6 hours of diagnosis) with those who receive standard care.

Desflurane Potentially Induces Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients Undergoing Perioperative Procedures by Modulating Cdc42 and Clock Proteins

This clinical trial investigates whether desflurane induces postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients undergoing perioperative procedures by modulating Cdc42 and Clock proteins. The primary research questions are: (1) Does desflurane administration contribute to POCD in this patient population? and (2) Are alterations in Cdc42 and Clock protein levels associated with desflurane-induced POCD in elderly patients? To address these questions, elderly patients will be administered desflurane for anesthesia maintenance. Postoperative assessments will then compare blood levels of Cdc42 and Clock proteins, and examine related signaling pathways, between a control group and a POCD group. Study participants will receive desflurane anesthesia maintained at a Bispectral Index (BIS) value of 40-60. Postoperative cognitive function will be assessed on the second day using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and participants will be categorized into either a control group or a POCD group based on MoCA performance. Cognitive function and blood levels of Cdc42 and Clock proteins will be recorded. Furthermore, the study will also investigate associated signaling pathways.

Evaluating Perioperative Outcomes: Dexmedetomidine vs Lignocaine in Laparoscopic Chlolecystectomy

Nowadays laparoscopic surgery is the first choice for many surgeries. Such surgeries have revolutionized the surgical practice and has markedly reduced the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications. To minimize these side effects associated with the use of opioids, various methods have been adopted. Recently, different trials have highlighted the possible role of dexmedetomidine and lignocaine in providing postoperative analgesia and attenuating hemodynamic response. Literature showed conflicting results regarding both these drugs. So, we want to find the evidence for local setting. This Randomized Controlled Trial will be done at Department of Anesthesia, Sahiwal teaching hospital, Sahiwal for 12 months. Sample size of 140 cases; 70 cases in each group will be included through non-probability consecutive sampling. Then patients will be divided in two groups by using computer generated random number table. In group A, patients will be given dexmedetomidine infusion. In group B, patients will be given lignocaine infusion. All anesthesia procedures will be done by researcher. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure will be assessed before induction of anesthesia, after every 10 mins every 30 mins till completion of surgery. Total operative time will be noted. After procedure, patients will be assessed for postoperative pain score. when pain will be ≥4 on visual analogue scale rescue analgesia will be given and time will be noted. Total duration from time of surgery till need for rescue analgesia will be noted. Duration of postoperative analgesia opioid consumption /24 hrs.) will be presented by using mean± SD.

Intraoperative Hyperspectral Imaging for Laparoscopic Surgery

The study aims to evaluate the use of the HyperSnap Surgical System (HSS1) during laparoscopic surgeries, specifically in bowel resections and cholecystectomies.

EOIB for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, while less painful compared to conventional methods, is still a surgery that can cause significant pain for patients. Preventing postoperative pain is crucial for reducing respiratory complications, shortening hospital stays, and increasing patient satisfaction. Interfascial plane blocks have been widely used for postoperative analgesia in recent years worldwide. The External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block is one of the interfascial plane blocks used in abdominal surgeries. In our study, we aimed to compare the postoperative pain scores of patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia, specifically between those who received the external oblique intercostal plane block and those who had trocar entry site infiltration.

Video Laryngeal Mask Versus Endotracheal Tube Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Surgery

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of using a video laryngeal mask for airway management in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Dutch Cholecystitis Snapshot Study

Background: Cholecystitis is treated by in various types of hospitals by different specialists, and treatment strategy is influenced by logistical and medical reasons and personal preference. This may significantly impact hospital stay and other outcomes. Purpose: To determine the variation in treatment of cholecystitis in the Netherlands and its impact on outcome. Methods: Nation-wide cohort study of all patients diagnosed and treated for cholecystitis during a 6 month period. The primary outcome will be the proportion of patients with an acute cholecystitis in which the guideline is followed. This group will be compared to those in which the guideline is not followed, focussing on total hospital stay and complications. Secondary aims are to determine: factors related to guideline compliance; the best method of cystic duct closure; the best treatment strategy for a \>7-day existing cholecystitis; factors predictive for concomitant common bile duct stones; strategies following gallbladder drainage. Multivariable analysis and propensity score matching will be used when appropriate for the etiological study aims. The TRIPOD guideline for prediction modelling will be used for the predictive study aims. Hospitals will receive their own results, set out against the national average and best practices, thereafter subsequent changes in hospital practice will be recorded. Conclusion: This study will determine the variation in treatment of cholecystitis in the Netherlands and its impact on clinical outcome. Its results will serve as an important incentive to create optimal, uniform cholecystitis treatment in the Netherlands.

ALgerian Cholecystectomy Outcomes and Determinants Study (AL-CODS)

Cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder, is a common procedure performed to treat benign gallbladder diseases such as cholelithiasis (gallstones), cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), and biliary dyskinesia. While generally considered safe, this surgery can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in certain populations or healthcare settings. Understanding these outcomes and the factors influencing them is crucial for improving patient care and surgical practices. In Algeria, the healthcare landscape presents unique challenges and opportunities for evaluating surgical outcomes. Limited studies have specifically focused on the morbidity and mortality associated with cholecystectomy in this context. This study aims to fill that gap by providing comprehensive data on 30-day postoperative outcomes following cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder diseases in Algeria. Such data is essential for benchmarking current practices, identifying areas for improvement, and ultimately enhancing patient safety and surgical efficacy.

Prospective Evaluation of Ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Cholecystostomy With the Trocar Technique

The purpose of this study is to further evaluate and investigate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) with the trocar technique by the patient's bedside.